The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $9,250 delivered within the contiguous United States.  
 
The US Navy Mark V diving helmet stands as a symbol of underwater exploration. Its enduring design and historical significance make it a prized possession among collectors globally.  The Mark V served the US Navy from 1916 to the mid-1980s, and even after its official retirement, production continued for commercial and recreational use by companies like Morse, DESCO (Diving Equipment and Supply Co), and Schrader.
 
This particular helmet boasts the original craftsmanship of the A. Schrader’s Son Co, one of the two original manufacturers of the Mark V. Established in 1844 by the German mechanic August Schrader in New York, the company is legendary in the art of diving helmet design, among many other things. Schrader was involved in the initial design of the Mark V during World War 1 and continued producing the helmet for the US Navy till the end of World War 2. Today, the A. Schrader’s Son company continues to produce high-quality helmets and provides expert restoration work.
Dated August 1943, this helmet was made at the height of World War II production in the US. The brass ID plate is easy to read with serial #511B stamped on it. Serial #566 is stamped on the bonnet communications cup. While not matching, the two numbers are very close and likely mixed up on a US Navy ship or base. In addition, the communications cup features a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp proves the helmet was in USN inventory during WWII.
 
The helmet was polished decades ago, exposing the spun copper and brass hardware. Over the years, a nice patina has formed, accentuating the minor nicks and dings caused by use during the war. Only minor working dents are visible on the very top of the bonnet. While the story is lost to history, the helmet did receive a bump on the back bottom edge, resulting in one of the rear brails being slightly bent in. In addition, on the diver's back left, one of the wing nut studs spins, not allowing the wing nut to be threaded on and off easily. While these issues are worth noting, they do not detract from the helmet's visual beauty.
 
This helmet does feature the original components, including:
Four brails (straps for securing the helmet) with serial #511B stamped on the underside of all four.
Twelve correct wing nuts – eight standard and four flanged.
Spitcock valve (used to equalize pressure in the helmet)
BTE exhaust valve
Bonnet dumbbell safety latch – no chain and breastplate securing latch.
Glass windows
Window guards
Air and communication elbow fittings
Internal air vents – inside painted black.
Very old communications reproducer (speaker)
Exhaust chin button
Neck ring gasket
 
Extra features that this helmet has are:
Brass rings on each breastplate eyelet
Communications fitting adaptor on the elbow.
Schrader stamped non-return valve on air elbow.
 
When this helmet was polished many decades ago, the owner wisely did not remove the honest hints of use from the surface of the copper and brass. No matter what angle this helmet is viewed from, the hints of use are evident. This helmet is guaranteed to impress even non-collectors and is 100% authentic.
 
All helmets sold by Nations Attic Inc. will have a certificate of authenticity (COA). This COA will have a serial # on it that will match the # on a tamperproof holographic decal placed on the inside of the helmet. This level of security and long-term assurance of the helmet’s authenticity is unmatched in the industry and very important to us.
 
The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one at a discounted price is available. The helmet will be shipped in two double thick specially prepared boxes via FedEx. Worldwide shipping is available. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
 
The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $9,250 delivered within the contiguous United States.